July 22, 1999



PRESIDENT CLINTON:
HIGHLIGHTING THE NEED FOR A MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT

"According to this report, 75% of older Americans lack decent, dependable, private-sector coverage of prescription drugs. That’s three out of every four seniors. To those who think prescription drug coverage isn’t a problem for most Medicare beneficiaries, I say, think again."

President Bill Clinton
July 22, 1999

Today, in Lansing, Michigan, President Clinton met with community members to discuss the future of the Medicare program. At the meeting, the President released a new report detailing the inadequate and unstable nature of prescription drug coverage currently available to Medicare beneficiaries. The President underscored the importance of seizing this historic opportunity to strengthen and modernize Medicare for the next quarter century.

New Report Shows the Need for a Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. The President released a new report today entitled, “Disturbing Truths and Dangerous Trends: The Facts About Medicare Beneficiaries and Prescription Drug Coverage.” Key findings of the report include:

Three out of four Medicare beneficiaries lack decent, dependable, private-sector coverage of prescription drugs.

Private trends indicate a decline in coverage and affordability.

Public trends show that managed care benefits are being reduced, and Medicaid participation is low.

Millions of beneficiaries have no drug coverage.

Prescription drug coverage makes sense.




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